Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership

“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
~ Matthew 25:31-46

In concert with long-held principles of the Catholic Church, St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School embraces the role of education in developing the whole child to better know, love, and serve God and neighbor with their whole heart, mind, body, and soul.
With this understanding of education as formation, St. Mary’s is committed to providing opportunities for students to take part in Christian servant leadership. We encourage students, both as individuals and as a group, to initiate acts of service, particularly those aligned with helping the less fortunate.

This is supported and carried out by making our school’s mission statement a lived reality through the Beatitudes Project. Each month, starting in October, students, faculty, staff, and parents engage in a schoolwide service projects that focuses on one of the eight Beatitudes. By fostering compassion and a commitment to service, students better recognize the needs of our local and global community while empathizing with them as brothers and sisters in our common human family.

Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students are required to earn a number of service hours each semester as part of their religion grade. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways from altar serving to volunteering at the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. The religion teachers provide examples and opportunities for students to earn service hours, which is theologically centered on “building the Kingdom of God” here on Earth.

Students are immersed in a culture of service in their classrooms, at their own churches, and in our neighborhood communities. This dedicated commitment to others, built from a faith foundation, helps form leaders who can view the world from a heart of compassion and responsibility. These are the leaders that the world needs and is why "servant leadership in Christ" and an immersion in a culture of service is a priority at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School. Students are encouraged, motivated, and challenged to become:

A RESPONSIBLE LEADER/CITIZEN WHO:

Shows respect for self, others, cultural differences, and the environment through words and actions.

Makes good moral choices.

Works cooperatively with others.

Practices civic responsibilities in the classroom and school community.